The Kapiti Coast is the north-western coast of the grater Wellington Region. It covers from Paekakariki in the south to Otaki in the north and is sheltered from the south by the massive Tararua Ranges. The result is a spectacular landscape and microclimate that has made the Kapiti Coast one of the most desirable places in the world to live.
Kapiti Island sits about 5km off the west coast of the district and is one of the world’s most successful island sanctuaries. It is steep, rocky and mostly covered with regenerating native forest.
Otaki is located half way between Wellington City and Palmerston North and is one of New Zealand's oldest urban settlements.
Paraparaumu, sheltered from the stormy west by a geological event that created Kapiti Island and resting against the mountain range, has always been an attractive place with a natural beach promenade.
Waikanae is a peaceful settlement on the banks of the Waikanae River. It has a large population of retired people with a growing number of families moving into the area.
Porirua is a city in the Wellington Region of New Zealand, immediately north of the city of Wellington, with their central business districts 20 km apart. A large proportion of the population commutes to Wellington, so it may be considered a satellite city. It almost completely surrounds Porirua Harbour at the southern end of the Kapiti Coast. The eastern (Pauatahanui) inlet of the harbour is notable for its world-class estuarine values.